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NFL remote draft: From Goodell's basement to Giants GM's 'computer folks,' a look (sort of) at what could go wrong

Instead, everything will be done remotely, with team execs using video conferencing, texting or Facetime. Meanwhile, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will be waiting for the pick to announce from his man-cave in his sweats, scraggly reddish-gray beard and flannel shirt that he has worn for the past 10 days.

Washington State tackle Andre Dillard poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after the Philadelphia Eagles selected Dillard in the first round at the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)(Photo: Steve Helber, AP)

On his head, Goodell has a baseball cap with the NFL logo on it that actor Rob Lowe wore to the Super Bowl.

It is 8 p.m. on April 23, and Goodell puts down his can of beer, stifles a burp and looks into his computer screen. Behind him is a videoscreen with the fountains cascading at The Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, where the draft was supposed to be held.

"Welcome to the 2020 NFL draft. Here at the NFL, we understand the plight facing people around the world with the coronavirus pandemic. We're sympathetic to those going through this unimaginable crisis, but we feel that holding the NFL draft as scheduled will provide people with a sense of normalcy through all of the turmoil and tragedy ..."

Goodell looks at the message at the bottom of his screen: "ROGER ... UNMUTE YOUR SPEAKER!!!! NOBODY CAN HEAR YOU!!!!"

Goodell unmutes, then continues: "Sorry about that, I forgot to unmute. Anyway, the 2020 NFL draft is ready to begin. The Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock. You have 10 minutes."

During those 10 minutes, there's supposed to be a Bengals' highlight package from the 2019 season. But you can only show so many highlights of quarterback Andy Dalton getting sacked, or the defense giving up touchdown after touchdown.

So there's still seven minutes remaining when the cameras pan back to Goodell's empty recliner chair because Goodell got up to get a few snacks.

Goodell returns, checks his phone, and says: "I have just received a text from the Bengals. With the first pick in the 2020 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Joe Burrow, quarterback, LSU."

Goodell's wife and kids pretend they're the thousands of fans who were expected to be on hand in Las Vegas. They cheer wildly, sounding noisemakers and blowing horns, and shooting confetti around the room. Meanwhile, the videoscreen behind Goodell shows a picture of someone being rowed in a boat to represent how the draftees were going to be rowed to the podium in Las Vegas.

It's the Giants' turn at No. 4, and as their 2019 highlights are showing, you can hear crunching noises in the background, followed by a gulping noise, and then, "Ahhhhhh."

Goodell forgot to mute his screen after announcing Detroit's pick at No. 3 and decided to snack on some potato chips and take a swig of soda in between picks.

Only the Giants aren't ready when the 10 minutes are up.

That's because Giants GM Dave Gettleman is on the phone with his "computer folks" as the NFL Network feed substitutes the Brady Bunch squares for what was supposed to be video of the Giants' Zoom meeting.

Devon Still, a Howard High and Penn State graduate, is holding a fundraiser to benefit families going through childhood cancer in honor of his daughter Leah, who overcame Stage 4 neuroblastoma. Getty Images

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still watches the offensive unit perform against the New England Patriots in the second half of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Massachusetts Oct. 5, 2014. AP

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Golfers play at the Deerfield Golf Club in Newark on Monday, April 6. The course has made changes to address the coronavirus pandemic but remains open. Jenna Miller/Delaware News Journal, Delaware News Journal

Christina Carroll, a senior at William Penn high school, golfs at the Deerfield Golf Club in Newark on Monday, April 6. The course has made changes to address the coronavirus pandemic but remains open. Jenna Miller/Delaware News Journal, Delaware News Journal

Golfers play at the Deerfield Golf Club in Newark on Monday, April 6. The course has made changes to address the coronavirus pandemic but remains open. Jenna Miller/Delaware News Journal, Delaware News Journal

Golfers play at the Deerfield Golf Club in Newark on Monday, April 6. The course has made changes to address the coronavirus pandemic but remains open. Jenna Miller/Delaware News Journal, Delaware News Journal

Golfers play at the Deerfield Golf Club in Newark on Monday, April 6. The course has made changes to address the coronavirus pandemic but remains open. Jenna Miller/Delaware News Journal, Delaware News Journal

Golfers play at the Deerfield Golf Club in Newark on Monday, April 6. The course has made changes to address the coronavirus pandemic but remains open. Jenna Miller/Delaware News Journal, Delaware News Journal

Sam Goines golfs at the Deerfield Golf Club in Newark on Monday, April 6. The course has made changes to address the coronavirus pandemic but remains open. "It's about all we got," he said. "You can keep your distance and get some exercise." Jenna Miller/Delaware News Journal, Delaware News Journal

Golfers play at the Deerfield Golf Club in Newark on Monday, April 6. The course has made changes to address the coronavirus pandemic but remains open. Jenna Miller/Delaware News Journal, Delaware News Journal

John Myura golfs at the Deerfield Golf Club in Newark on Monday, April 6. The course has made changes to address the coronavirus pandemic but remains open. "It gives you a little chance to take your mind off things," he said. Jenna Miller/Delaware News Journal, Delaware News Journal

Golfers play at the Deerfield Golf Club in Newark on Monday, April 6. The course has made changes to address the coronavirus pandemic but remains open. Jenna Miller/Delaware News Journal, Delaware News Journal

"Sure, why not?" Roseman responds as he lifts his 8-year-old son onto his lap.

"Thanks Dad!" he says.

Then Roseman writes down the name for his son to read. The son looks at the name, turns to his father and says, "Come on, Dad, we can't take an offensive lineman in the first round again."

Roseman responds, "Ok, fine. Then writes down the name of a wide receiver."

The son says: "That's better," and reads the name.

Finally, the first round comes to an end at about 12:30 a.m., about an hour later than it should have.

Goodell looks into the camera, with potato chip, popcorn and cookie remnants on his shirt, and says: "Thanks everyone for watching the first round of the NFL draft. Tune in tomorrow night for Rounds 2 and 3."

Then Goodell looks at the message at the bottom of his screen, and says: "Darn it, I forgot to 'unmute' again!"

Martin Frank, sports reporter

I cover the Philadelphia Eagles for the News Journal. I've learned that there's never an offseason for a team that has such a hold over people in Delaware. I enjoy bringing that passion for the Birds to readers, whether it's in-season or out, a Super Bowl run or the drama leading up to the draft. But I mostly enjoy bringing you the stories of the players, from the 53rd man on the roster to star quarterback Carson Wentz. Your support as a News Journal subscriber enables me to bring those stories to you.